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danielle_ghilar's avatar
14 years ago

12 months since chemo stopped

Hello, I have just been thinking and its almost been 12 months for me since i finished my last session of chemo. So much for me has changed.

I have grown so much and i have learnt to find happiness within myself. I appreciate everyday i have with my children and i try to forget that i almost had it all taken away from me.

I used to want to be rich now i understand that rich is not money, rich to me is being able to live a long life and watch my children become parents and succeed in their own lives.

My hair is growing back and my boobs have been constructed but most of all my mind has healed. I feel strong and look forward to every day xx

6 Replies

  • Hi Amanda,

    Thankyou so much you have the kindest words, you sure know how to make some one smile.

    The last year has gone pretty quick, i probably will get shot for saying this. I am glad i was diagnosed, before i had no direction i knew i could do stuff i just did not know what. I have found happiness within myself and its people like you that i have met along the way that have made me the woman i am today.

    I am extremely excited about Breast Friends. Its only early days yet but i have plans.

    I look forward to keeping in contact, i'm glad your on the network it makes it so much easier.

    Take care,

    Danielle xx

  • Hi Danielle,

    Just wanted to recognise this milestone for you - I can't imagine if the time feels like it's gone by ultra quick or at a snails pace, but what I do know is you're one determined woman who has her heart in the right place and an intelligent head on her shoulders. It's a lovely experience working with you and being able to share in the celebration of special moments and achievements. I'm particularly interested to stay in touch about how your online group progresses. Let me know if you've got any questions.

    All the best to you and your beautiful family.

    Amanda

  • Hi Danielle,

    Just wanted to recognise this milestone for you - I can't imagine if the time feels like it's gone by ultra quick or at a snails pace, but what I do know is you're one determined woman who has her heart in the right place and an intelligent head on her shoulders. It's a lovely experience working with you and being able to share in the celebration of special moments and achievements. I'm particularly interested to stay in touch about how your online group progresses. Let me know if you've got any questions.

    All the best to you and your beautiful family.

    Amanda

  • Thanks Chris,

    Everyone handles their diagnosis differently. I had some really crappy days over the past year. I have thrown tantrums i have cried for hours on end about my scars and i have considered leaving my husband many many times.

    I have found most comfort and support through my BCNA family. I have found that its only these women that truely understand what we have been through. It was nice to talk to another lady who explained a little bit about our husbands that i was being to selfish to really see.

    Its hard to find some positives in all of this. Thats why i like talking to other women, if i can make some one feel better or less anxious thats my positive. I have also finished my treatment and its pretty scarry being all alone after such intense monitoring.

    I have just recently realised though that i am happier within my self than i have ever been and i can now look back and appreciate my strength and courage.

    Your time will come when things are slowing down and you actually have the chance to reflect on what you have been through. You will be amazed at what you have done and the strength within your self you probably never knew you had.

    I agree that another breast cancer scare would not help how you are feeling. It must be scarry and bring back alot of old feelings. I donot know what i would do if i got a secondary cancer. It is something i try not to think about it doesnot deserve my head space.

    We should catch up and celebrate your anniversary when it rolls around.

    Danielle xx

  • Hi Danielle,  I have just been "enlightened".  I have always felt so sad for you "young ones" going through this terrible bc but I have just had a great thought after reading your blog.  I was first diagnosed at 50 then again last December at 54.5 and thought at least I had "lived the best part of my life".  Boy was I wrong.  That's the old way of thinking.  So many opportunities (ones that I really love) have come my way since bc - it is all about "how you are thinking".  I, like yourself, appreciate everything in my daily life and love the positive people in my life.  This is all about "LIVING" .  I have found the real "Meaning of Life" and feel sad for those who haven't.  So now I don't feel sad for you "young ones" becuase you got to grab onto "the real meaning of life" at an earlier age than ME!!!XLeonie

  • Hi Danielle,  I have just been "enlightened".  I have always felt so sad for you "young ones" going through this terrible bc but I have just had a great thought after reading your blog.  I was first diagnosed at 50 then again last December at 54.5 and thought at least I had "lived the best part of my life".  Boy was I wrong.  That's the old way of thinking.  So many opportunities (ones that I really love) have come my way since bc - it is all about "how you are thinking".  I, like yourself, appreciate everything in my daily life and love the positive people in my life.  This is all about "LIVING" .  I have found the real "Meaning of Life" and feel sad for those who haven't.  So now I don't feel sad for you "young ones" becuase you got to grab onto "the real meaning of life" at an earlier age than ME!!!XLeonie